Testing calcium carbonate chalk paint and other DIY paint recipes
What is up with chalk paint why do people like it so much? I had to try out some different chalk-paint recipes to find out for myself and in this post, I’m sharing my results. Especially calcium carbonate chalk paint because it is non-toxic and which I used in my favorite dresser makeover.
Certain pieces of furniture I just can’t imagine with a lacquer or spray-painted finish. The distinct finish of chalk paint was perfect for some pieces that I had found at some local auctions and I tested out different recipes on those following dressers.
I don’t know if you read my first chalk paint dresser makeover a couple of weeks ago, which I painted with CeCe Caldwell’s Destin Gulf Green chalk paint. I love how it turned out.
I also painted the following dresser with the leftover paint and the hex sign knob details. This particular green is a beautiful shade of almost turquoise and I’m beyond in love with it.
The texture of CeCe Caldwell’s chalk paint is incredible and very chalky and when you apply the wax, you can feel it being absorbed. Which is what you want.
I wanted to try out my own chalk paint though too. I hate having to wait for stuff I purchase online. I’m the kind of person who wants to walk into a store, buy and walk out (especially when I have an idea in my head)…well unless it’s Christmas and I’m trying to get away from crazy crowds! And since we don’t have a chalk paint vendor in the area, I have to buy the chalk paint online and I hate waiting for it. Another reason is that I don’t like being restricted to a certain color paint selection. And when you make your own chalk paint you can pretty much use any shade you want/find.
And you know what else is great about chalk paint versus spray paint? Well, I would be able to paint inside during the wintertime without spray residue and harmful fumes. MAJOR PLUS!!! Chalk paint is also way more forgiving than spray paint. Mistakes are so much easier to fix.
In this post, I’m not addressing the “Plaster of Paris” chalk paint recipe because Plaster of Paris is toxic, carcinogenic to be specific and although I’ve heard it works great, I didn’t want to get into it. Spray paint is already toxic enough for me which is the reason I wanted to stay with the non-toxic versions.
DIY paint recipes
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Let’s start with my least favorite version, the non-sanded grout recipe:
“Non-Sanded Grout” recipe
- 1 cup of flat latex paint
- 2 tablespoons of Non-Sanded Grout
- water
In a mixing container mix grout with water, adding a little bit at a time until you get a nice smooth consistency. Add more water as needed to break up the powder. Once the powder is mixed thoroughly with water, add the paint and stir well.
I tried it out on one of my previous dressers. The non-sanded grout chalk paint dries rapidly. I didn’t like it! And yes, I tried adding more water as I went but I just hate being rushed and slapping it on, I like taking my time. I honestly really didn’t care for it. I have a huge bag left of the non-sanded grout and who knows, I might try it again one day, but for now, I have to say that I disliked it.
Calcium carbonate chalk paint recipe
My favorite recipe by far is the calcium carbonate chalk paint recipe, which is a dietary supplement and non-toxic, yay! Not a bad price either at around $6-$11, right?
Mix all the below ingredients well:
- 2 tablespoons of Calcium Carbonate Powder
- 1 tablespoons water
- 1 cup flat latex paint
(If you buy 1 quart of paint at the home improvement store then mix that quart with 8 tablespoons of Calcium Carbonate Powder)
(Calcium carbonate)
As I said, I really like the calcium carbonate chalk paint a lot. It’s smooth, and good to sand and the wax goes on great as well.
Don’t forget to finish with wax!
I use a brush and sponge-like THIS and brush like THIS to apply the wax.
And I love using THIS clear wax.
If you want it to have an antiqued finish then use a wax like THIS!
Tips for applying the wax to the calcium carbonate chalk paint
Did you ever grease a pan with butter on a paper towel before baking? Well, that’s how I apply the wax to the furniture with an old t-shirt in smaller sections. Don’t clump the wax. You can use a waxing brush to get into more textured paint. Then buff it out with the pad or clean cloth similar to how you would buff a car. There are different techniques but this is how I like to do it.
For the gold detail on the dresser, I used Rub ‘n Buff that I thinned out with paint thinner and then brushed on.
My overall comparison to the purchased CeCe Caldwell paint is that if you like texture, then that’s the paint you should use. I actually really loved that about the paint.
In this case, I wanted a soft feminine look and the calcium carbonate powder to make chalk paint was so smooth and barely had any texture. It was perfect for the style of the pink dresser and the look I was going for.
Last but not least…
baking soda chalky paint recipe
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 cup flat paint
This finish is very similar to the calcium carbonate chalk paint recipe. For non of the recipes, you need to be exact with the measurements. It all depends on how textured you want the finish. for furniture, it’s definitely better to stay on the thinner side. But you do have to use a flat latex paint to mix.
Update: I recently painted Christmas ornaments and thrifted vessels with baking soda paint which also gives a chalky finish. The accessories end up looking like beautiful pottery if you make it a bit thicker and mix in more baking soda.
And if chalk paint isn’t your thing and you’d rather use a can of spray paint then check out the beautiful and very similar shade of pink below (HERE).
I have to admit that I’m still a spray paint girl at heart….ah the smell…totally kidding but I do love the finish.
You can also check out my dining room buffet/dresser makeover which I sprayed on with a sprayer (HERE). In that dresser makeover post, I’m giving several different options for the perfect subtle shade of pink:
The moral of the story is that making chalk paint with calcium carbonate is super easy, non-toxic, and has a forgiving finish where mistakes are easy to fix. So you should definitely give these chalk-paint recipes a try.
Tschüß,
Great rundown…thanks Julia. I’m still blown away by that pink dresser. It is so gorgeous!
Thank you so much Ashley!
I made mine with drywall compound/ MUD. Worked awesome aswell !!
How cool
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I love post like this. The break down of the recipes is so helpful. I have never used chalk paint before and would love to try it out on a dresser or too. I have a store that sells it near by so I might check it out. Your dresser turned out fantastic and I really love the gold accents!
Thanks Danetha and yes, give it a try 😉
I will follow your adventure for the perfect DIY chalk paint! Thoroughly enjoying it so far!
MC has conquered Annie so I don’t want to rock the boat!
I still have to buy some AnniePaint 😉
I have been wanting to try using chalk paint on something as well! That pink dresser turned out so cute. LOVE.
The pink would be perfect for you for sure and thank you so much Kristen!
love this Julia! 🙂 thank you so much for posting this, I’ve been wanting to try chalk paint but I’m afraid of moving away from spray paint! I would love to try this on a dresser we are using in our living room! 🙂
wish you a fun weekend 🙂
Can’t wait to see if you give it a try and thanks!
Thank you for sharing this! <3 the pink dresser too 🙂 I had no idea the plaster recipe was carcinogenic..and I recently did a desk for my daughter with that POP recipe. 🙁 Do you know if there is anything I can do to seal the paint? It turned out sooo nice too. Ugh. 🙁 Thanks!
Did you use wax on the top? I’m sure it’s fine.
Calcium Carbonate huh? I’ll maybe have to give that a go some day. I’ve only used the baking soda recipe (mostly because that’s what I have on hand all the time). I can never get it quite as smooth as I want…and the taste that I get in my mouth when sanding is gross from inhaling the dust (usually too lazy to wear a mask!).
Never heard of a baking soda recipe.
I’m usually to lazy to wear a mask too 😉
I was looking for a chalk paint recipe and found yours using Calcium Carbonate which was great since I am painting a changing station for my niece. I couldn’t locate it at any of the pharmacies but all 5 pharmacist said to get Tums and grind them up. 1 mini food chopper and 20 Tums later I had more than enough. It had a few small “lumps” that I pushed aside and what was left “melted” when mixed with water. Turned out creamy and went on smooth. It will take at least 3 coats but stayed creamy in lidded plastic container (I did put plastic wrap on top of paint to make sure the air in the container didn’t dry it out).
You can get calcium carbonate in pet stores (used as dietary additive for reptiles). And the bags come in the perfect size. You can but smaller plastic jars as well!
Thanks for the tip
Hmmm, tums…interesting! Let me know how it turns out when you are all done. And if you don’t mind, I might share it with everyone else on the blog and try it myself 😉
Great post! I’ve been thinking about trying the calcium carbonate. We sometimes use a paint sprayer..do you know if you can use it in a sprayer??!
Hi JoAnn, I wouldn’t use it in a paint sprayer, since it needs to be very thick and the paint in paint sprayers has to be on the thin side.
I have felt the same way about chalk paint. I’m not really into the rustic country style but some pieces just can’t be painted any different.
Thanks for the info Julia! I have always wondered about these recipes but have been hesitant to try them out. Thanks for doing some of the legwork for me 😉
I purchased my first can of A.S.C.P. to use on my son’s bedroom furniture. I loved the results, but the price, not so much. Thanks for sharing a cheaper version.
If you are worried about toxic ingredients, both the PofP and the Unsanded Grout contain silica, which can badly damage the lungs if you sand and don’t wear a respirator. It seems like the calcium carbonate would be a lot safer. I don’t think the CeCe brand has anything in it that you need to worry about. The ASCP paints don’t list ingredients, and it does have an odor, but I don’t know whether or not it is safe to sand it unprotected.
WOW, thanks for sharing!
what kind of wax do you use?
Hi! Wondering what kind of wax you use? Thanks, Shannon
Ahhh…pink and gold! Such a gorgeous combination! I have never used chalk paint before, but you have inspired me to consider it now…
Ahhh…pink and gold! Such a gorgeous combination! I have never used chalk paint before, but you have inspired me to consider it now…
Premium Chalk Paint Mix!! Much better then the plaster of paris versions by far!! I have been using it for years!! No one can tell the difference between this and AS!
http://m.ebay.com/itm/321259467188
Premium Chalk Paint Mix!! Much better then the plaster of paris versions by far!! I have been using it for years!! No one can tell the difference between this and AS!
http://m.ebay.com/itm/321259467188
Not sure about plaster of paris being carcinogenic its used for plaster casts in hospitals, you would have a lot of sick nurses and patients
Fantastico!!! I love it all, even the baby pink! What is the ‘wax’ you speak of?
How do you ship these? I”m in love. Following!
Thanks Dawn! The wax is regular clear furniture wax. And I sell the furniture in my Etsy shop which gets shipped usually via ship.com
Have you worked on changing the recipe yet or “tweaking” it as we speak.. How long can u keep paint for after mixed in a sealed container?
Hi and I’m sorry but I haven’t played around with the recipe yet. Waiting for the long winter month to pass first. The grout recipe goes bad right away but the calcium carbonate one is able to stay good for a really long time.
Hello! I featured your dresser in my monthly blog series, Get Your Color On!. Each month I select a color, provide tips on how to decorate with it, and feature other bloggers with their projects that relate to this color.
This month’s post is all about pink, so I featured your dresser because I love how chic and soft the color is in the room. It’s a perfect combination of sweet and glamorous with the gold.
Feel free to grab a featured button and check out my post at Get Your Color On! Pink. Thanks for sharing your wonderful creativity!
Can you tell me what color that pink paint is?
Hi Kristi, it was leftover paint from my daughter’s bedroom and the color is Hopeful by Behr 690A-2 Good luck!
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This is so so so gorgeous!!! OMG I want to do this to all of my daughters furniture. LOL Thanks for posting and sharing this!
Hi Julia! What brand/type and color paint did you use for the gold accent on the pink dresser?
Hi, I used liquid gold.
The. Is. Awesome. I’m emaling it to two of my clients right now!
Thank you!
What finish latex paint did you use on the pink dresser with the calcium carbonate recipe? Thanks!
Hi Cara, it was eggshell paint.
I personally have found cornstarch to be the perfect “chalk paint” additive! Love it and my friends who have used AS love it more than hers!
Oh cool, I have to try that!
hi what kind of brush do you use to apply the paint?
I actually used my standard Purdy brushed that you can find at any home improvement store
Hi. I love your pink dresser. I like to use the cheapest flat white paint that walmart has. It is 8.99 per gallon at my walmart. It is ready made and i just have them shake it up for me. I use craft paint with it to make whatever color i want. It goes on smooth, and dries chalky. I sand it wherever i want it to look worn. Sometimes i use craft crackle in between the layers to get a cool look. When i’m all done i buff it with dry paper towels that act as a very fine grit sandpaper. No waxing.
That’s awesome! Great tip Rhonda